A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF IGBO AND ENGLISH LANGAUGES ON BASIC SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN IMO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the comparative effect of using language of the
environment and English language media instruction on science
processing skills of primary school pupils in Ihitte-Uboma Local
Government of Imo State. Two research questions were posed and two
hypotheses formulated. The design of the study was correlational
survey. The sample of the study was 60 primary School Pupils from 54
primary schools in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.
Two instruments were used in data collection namely: Classroom
Teacher Basic Science Continuous Assessment Test (CTBSAT) and
Basic Science Concept Assessment Test (RBSAT). The reliability of the
instruments was determined to be 0.81. The data collected were
analysed using descriptive statistics and T-test of mean difference for the
hypothesis testing at 0.05 Level of confidence. The finding of the study
showed that the pupils taught in Igbo language obtained a higher mean
score at Post-test assessment more than pupils taught in English
language. Based on the finding the researcher impliedly derived a
conclusion that Igbo language may lead to improved science processing
proficiency among primary school pupils.